If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign you need root canal treatment. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any of these signs to avoid further complications.

A root canal is an effective procedure for treating damaged teeth. The procedure often gets a bad rap because of its association with pain and discomfort, but that’s only because people don’t understand the benefits it brings. If you suffer from one or more of the five warning signs below, a root canal treatment may be indicated to avoid further problems in your mouth and jaw.

Your Tooth Is Infected

If your tooth is infected, it could be a sign that root canal treatment is needed. Infections are caused by bacteria and can be treated by antibiotics. However, some bacteria can’t be treated with antibiotics, and these bacteria often cause tooth loss. If your tooth has been infected for some time, a root canal will be the best choice to save your tooth. The infection is often caused by the decay of the tooth, so root canal treatment can also save your teeth from decay and tooth loss.

There’s Discoloration Around the Tooth

Discoloration around your tooth could be a sign of an infection. The bacteria causing the infection will travel towards the inside of the tooth, leading to the discoloration of the tooth. Once there is discoloration around the tooth, it’s likely that the infection has reached the pulp. If the infection has reached the pulp, a root canal is likely needed. If the infection is caught in time, antibiotics can be used to fight it off. Root canal treatment is the best option if the infection is too far progressed to be treated with antibiotics. If there’s discoloration around your tooth, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

You Experience Pain When Eating

If you experience pain when eating, it could be a sign that root canal treatment is needed. Root canal treatment may be needed if the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed. This condition, called pulpitis, can be difficult to treat, and in some cases, it can lead to tooth loss. Pulpitis occurs when something irritates the pulp, leading to inflammation and pain. Root canal treatment can treat this condition and save your tooth, although it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid damaging the tooth further.

The Tooth Has Broken Off

If the tip of your tooth has broken off, it could be a sign that root canal treatment is needed. If the tooth breaks off entirely, it’s likely that the pulp inside has been irreversibly damaged. Broken off teeth can be saved, but only if root canal treatment is performed. If the tooth breaks off and root canal treatment is not performed, the broken tooth will likely lead to infection. Infection in the tooth can travel to the root and cause the surrounding tissues and bone to become infected. If the tooth breaks off and root canal treatment is performed, the broken tooth can be saved and used as a partial tooth replacement.

There’s Tenderness in Your Jaw

If you experience tenderness in your jaw, it could be a sign that you need root canal treatment. The pulp inside the tooth can extend to the surrounding areas. If the pulp has reached the surrounding tissues, root canal treatment is likely needed. If the pulp has reached the surrounding tissues, the pain can be difficult to manage, and it can spread throughout the jaw. If the pain continues, it could become chronic. If you experience pain in the jaw and you want to avoid further problems, root canal treatment may be the best option.

Conclusion

A root canal is an effective treatment for a diseased or damaged tooth. The procedure often gets a bad rap because of its association with pain and discomfort, but that’s only because people don’t understand the benefits it brings. If you suffer from one or more of the five warning signs above, a root canal treatment may be indicated to avoid further problems in your mouth and jaw.